Photomicrographic camera



April 26 1927. 1,625,952

F. F. Lu'cAs PHOTOMAICROGRAPHIC CAMERA Original Filed Nov. 22- 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet l 1,625,952 Ap 1927' F. F. LUCAS v PHOTOMICROGRAPHIC CAMERA Original Filed Nov. 22. 9 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 I Mala ia 24 a g iinpalli Mau s- "1''. i A \m. IHI

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A ia 26, 1927.

F. LUCAS PHOTOMICROGRAPHIC CAMERA Original Filed Nov. 22 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 V 4 IN III Patented Apr. 26, 1927.

UNITED STATES v 1,625,952 PATENT OFFICE.

FRANCIS F. LUCAS, OF EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY.

PHOTOMICROGRAPHIC CAMERA.

Original application filed November 22, 1921, Serial No. 517,017. Divided and this application filed December 29, 1923.

This invention relates to an observing and photographic appliance and an improved method of focusing and obtaining photographic reproduction with reference in particular to its adaptation as a photomicrographic camera An object of: this invention is to provide a photomicrographic camera for attachment to the draw tube of a microscope; consisting ol a clamping member; preferably a shutter; an extension tube; a light tight container capable of holding for exposure a sensitized roll film or interchangeably a sensitized roll film and a sensitized plate, said light tight container being interchangeable with a ground glass or equivalent screen containing member fitted with a light shield enabling observation and focusing of the image without the use of a focusing cloth.

A further feature of this invention is to provide for taking photomicrographs on sensitized roll film; the film being held taut in a plane, preferably at right angles to the optical axis so that no part of the film under exposure will be out of focus due to deviation oi? the film from such plane.

it further object oi? the invention is to provide a photomicrographic camera of sim ple construction and of light weight so that it may be supported by the draw tubes of common forms or microscopes without causing the focus of the optical system to change anti-er adjustment once has been made.

A further object of this invention is to provide a photomicrographic camera supported by the draw tube of a microscope in such manner that mechanically it becomes an integral part of the microscope and whereby extraneous vibration results in vi brating both the pliotoniicrographic attachn'ient and the microscope as a unit.

It further object of this invention is to provide an observing appliance which may be rigidly attached to the draw tube oia microscope or to other optical instruments, said appliance to consist oi a clamping member; preferably a shutter; an extension tube and a ground glass or equivalent screen (-oi'itaining member lil'ted with a light shield such that a projected imagev from the microscope, or equivalent, may be viewed by one or more persons in a normal and natural manner and without the aid of a focusing cloth. Such arrangement enables the micro- Serial No. 883,290.

the longitudinal arrangement of the parts becomes definitely fixed thus enabling successively focused objects to be photographed on a sensitized roll lilm or a sensitized plate under definitely comparable conditions without adjustn'ient ot the parts of the camera proper. Said objects may be photographed at the same setting of the microscope and I photoi'nicrographic camera or at intervals of time desired, notwithstanding that the microscope and 'bhotomicrographic camera may have been dismantled in the meantime and later reassembled.

A further object is to provide a method of micrometer whereby animage of a micrometer scale such as the usual stage micrometer may be superimposedon the image of an eyepiece, micrometer such as the usual form oi cross section or cross ruledeyepiece scale and in thisposition exposure made on a sensitized roll film. The object to be measured is then substituted for the stage micrometer and superimposed thereon will be the image of the eyepiece micrometer. E posure then made on the same roll film so that alter development of the film there will be had a photographic record of a standardized scale of measurement and a succe we rmmber of objects as desired with the eyepiece n'iicrometer scale superimposed thereon. Thus the dimensions of the ob- :ts may be readily computed in terms of the standardized scale a record 01"" which is permanently preserved, and all variables due to differences in film or treatment are thus eliminated.

A further object oi this invention is to provide a light tight container capable of holding interchangeably for photographic exgosure a sensitized roll film or asensitized plate.

l in'ther features and objects of the'invention will be more fully understooo from the following detail descriptionfand the accompanying drawings, .in which- Fig. l is a front perspective view of a microscope provided with my invention the parts being shown at the stage of taking the exposure;

Fig. 2 is a detail front perspective view of the shutter and its short length tube;

Fig. 3 is a detail front perspective view ot the shutter and its long length tube;

Fig. -lis a detail front perspective view oi the focusing ground glass and its mounting tubes;

Figs. 5 and 6 are respectively detail perspective views of one form of light-tight container for the sensitized medium and its cover;

Figs. 7 and 8 are comparative front elevations respectively of the focusing ground glass mounted on the shutter tube and oi the container mounted on the shutter tube; Fig. T is broken awav to show the assembly of the ground .1 and the arts of its tubes, whereas F 8 is broken away in central vertical elevation through the lightiight container and also through the shutter and through the parts For supporting and attaching my improved photomicrographic device to the microscope proper;

Fig. 9 is a detail elevation, partly in vertical sectional view. showing the shutter and a simple term of eyepiece;

Fig. 10 a detail perspectivc view of the clamping ring shown in 1 and 8;

Fig. 11 is a detail perspective view or a clip for a film spool; and Fig. 12 is a detail pe iectivc view of a compensating ring;

F 13 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the container shown in Figs. 6 and 8;

Fig. 14 a central vertical sectional elevation of the container shown in Fig. 18, as used with a roll film but modified to accommodate either a sensitized plate or a roll film;

Fig. 15 is a central vertical sectional elevation of the container shown in 14-, as use-cl with a sensitized plate;

Fig. 16 is a bot-tom plan view of Fig. 11, the bottom oi the container being partly broken away to show otherwise hidden parts;

Fig. IT is a detail perspective view of a modified form of clip for the film spool;

F ig. 18 is a detail perspective top view of the holding plate for a sensitized plate; and

Fig. 19 is detail perspective bottom view of the guide and compensating pressure plate for use with a roll film and for securing the holding plate, Fig, 18, for use with a sensitizeo plate.

Referring to 1, I have illustrated an approved type of micoscope 1, including the adjustable stage 2 on which the specimen 3 to be photographed is supported. and fur ther comprising the body tube -l, provided with suitable means for attachment of the objective 5 and the draw tube 6 telescoping with the body tube a.

Pursuant to my invention, I provide, as appears in assembly in Figs. 1, 8 and 9, and in detail in Fig. 10, a clamping ring 7 to be received on the terminal portion of the draw tube 6, and in which ring 7 is placed the simple eye-piece 8 as appears in Fig. 9 or a compensating eye-piece 9, as is indicated in Fig. 8. Such clamping ring 7 comprises the annular portion 10 which is internally threaded at 11, see Figs. 8 and 9, and also the radially slitted extension 12 having the clamping screw 13.

When a simple eye-piece 8 is employed, the external threading of the short lower tube 14- of the shutter, see Fig. 2, is brought into mesh with the internal threading 11 ot the clamping ring 10 and I provide the positioning ring 15, see Figs. 2 and 9, for engagement directly with the metal casing of the eyepiece 8. Such positioning ring 15 is externally threaded to meshv with the internal threading of the lower tube length 11- ot the shutter, and is flanged at 16 to extend laterally to abut the lower edge shutter tube 11-.

Accordingly, upon placing the eye-piece 8 within the ring 10 and thereupon securing the lower tube within the ring 10 until the ring 10 abuts tightly against the shutter 20 as shown at 11, Fig. 9, the ring 10 with the shutter 20 attached thereto and enclosing the eyepiece 8, is located on the draw tube (3 by allowing tlieclamping ring, 12, Figs, 9 and 10, to slide downwardly on the draw tube, 6, of the microscope, until the head of the microscope draw tube 6 abuts the flanged extension of the casing of the eye-piece, 8, and until the positioning ring 15, rests upon the top of the eye-piece in the position clearly shown at 15, Fig. 9; whereupon the clamping screw, 13, of the clamping ring 10, is tightened. This adjustment of the parts insures that the eye-piece assumes its normal position with reference to the microscope draw tube 6 and it also insures that my improved observing or photographic appliance will assume a definite and exact position longitudinally with reference to a given combination of parts such as the draw tube, (3. and eye-piece 8. Moreover, it will be clearly seen that the parts may be dismantled and reassembled whereupon the same exactoptical arrangement of the parts will result.

lVhile I have shown the use of an eyepiece, the eye-piece may be omitted it desired whereupon the positioning ring, 15, comes to restupon the head of the microscope draw tube, 6, instead of upon the top of the eye-piece as shown at 1., Fig. 9.

When it is desired to use certain forms of eye-pieces such that the upper lens of the eye-piece is designed to project materially above the head of the microscope draw tube. a type of which is indicated at 9. a compensating ring 17 of suitable dimensions is cmlength 11 ot' the shutter lllll ployed, as is indicated in Fig. 8, such coinpensating ring 17 being internally threaded at its upper portion to mesh with the external threading of the tube length H: of the shutter; the ring 17 is externally threaded to mesh with the internal threading ll of the clamping ring 10.

It will be understood that all various types of eyepiece-s for microscopes may employed if desired and the compensating ring selected of an effective length. corresponding to the extent of projection of the eye-piece above the end oi the draw tube of the microscope.

The shutter indicated at 20 of any approved type and may be provided with a. short upper tube 21, as is indicated in Fig. l and enlarged in Figs. 2, 7 and S, or may be provided with the long upper tube as is indicated in Fi 3. Usually such short length tube 21 for commercial terms oi? niicroscopes and with a commonly used type of shutter, is of the length of three inches and the long tube 22 with a commonly used type of shutter, is of the length of eight inches, providing respectively for magnith cation in the proportion of one to two, the images respectively being formed at distances of five and ten inches from the e -,"epiece. The absolute magnification, as will he understood by those skilled in the art, is determined by the optical constants ot the microscope.

In carrying out my invention, I meter the use of a focusing ground glass and uiolmting tube therefor, as is; indicated in external appearance in F ig. 4:, and in detail construction in Fig. 7. Such ground glass unit comprises the lower tube section 23 having the lowermost end portimi 2i reduced to be received within the tube iength (or ot the shutter and to be held thereon. The ground glass dish 25 is suital'iiy held between the lower tube section. 523 and the upper tube section 26, by providing the expanded annular portion 27, recessed annularly inwardly to receive the ground glass dish 25 and provided at its lower end w h the threading 2% incshi with the threading 29 at. the upper our oi the lower tube section 23.

ihe eflect-ivc upward extension of the to length 26 such thatthe image displayed on the ground glass is notnatura tected by indirect sunlight or by light from 2 1;; other external source out iing the tube length 26 I have found that a tubedength of about one and one-bait inches for ordinary types of microscopes. has given excellent results. Such arrangement provides for viewing th image and for focusing without the use of a focusing cloth. The arrangement has also the ai'ivantago of al. lowing the observer to use both eyes in the natural manner and in normal position.

Furthermore, the arrangement has t-icular advantage of allowing any number of persons to view the image at the same time, so that details oi? structure or other characteristics ot' the specimen under examination may be clearly seen or explained. In Fig. 7 1 have indicated the ground and its associated tube lengths mounted on the shutter tube which in turn is mounted on the microscope, is more fully indicated in Fig. 1, in which instance the image 02? the specimen 3 is readily and definitely viewed with both eyes of the observer or may be viewed by two or more persons at the same time. 7 the shutter in such circumstance has been moved to its open position.

After the proper image has been had by,

observation through the ji-ound glass 25. the container 30, loaded either with a sensrt-iaed film or a. plate, is then positioned in replacement ot' the ground giass and its motuiting tubes 23, 26, first-1y by closing the shutter, and removing the ground glass unitand then placing the container 30 on the end of the shutter tube 21 (or 22) and thereafter opening (as shown in Fig. l) the slides 39 oi the container 30. i

The shutter 19 is then operated by means of its release 20, see Fig. 1., and the exposure thus carried out; The slide 39in then closed, and the film wound forward for the next exposure... In the event that the exposure is made on a. sensitized -olate, the container taken into a darkroiim or equivalent, for removal of the exposed piatc and reloading ot a fresh plate.

In Figs. 5 and 6 I have shown a simplified form of the container 80, which form com tirises the back removably secured to the opposite ends 33, iii, of the bodv of the container 30, by the provision ot the pair of pins extending on the end 233 and taking within the pair of openings 36,- 36 at the side or the cover 532 and by the provision of a. spring finger 37 securhd to the opposite end 3% and having a notch for receiving the locking lug 38 on the cover 32.

The container 30 is provided at its bottom with the slide 39 tor closing the container in light sealing relation when moved inwardly, and for openingthe camera when moved. outwardly, as is indicated in Fig. 1.

Within the cont-nine is provided the spacing frame it) l'ia-ving a. circular opening :42 which registers in position in its plane with a circular opening il in the bot-tomv of the container. The contour ot the spacing frame provides within the casing 30 of the container for the compartment .43 for receiving the spool of the uuesposed sensitized film roil and for the compartment iz l: for receiving the spool on which the c);- posed film is wound. The stud shai t do tor winding the lilm forward and for main- It will be understood that the par tie iii-5 taining the film taut, in cooperation with a ratchet, is or the usual form. Preferably, the upper taco of the frame is lined with velvet to or equivalent, for light-tight engagement with the film. Similarly, the inner face of the cover 532 lined with velvet or equivalent, as is indicated at all, but with a circular op .ning l8 or an area corresponding to the opening 42 of the nacing frame Ill and positioned in re therewith. as is indicated in 8, whereby the film is held securely and in light-tight relation between the two velvet surt'nres (TL- cepting tor the area in alignment wi-h the openings ll. 42, where the him is thus maiutained in a plane at right angles to t e optical axis of the microscope and the photomicrographic attachment.

the shutter tube length it (or 21 The peep hole 5 fitted with the usual red transparent material such as celluloid, is provided for the purpose of observing the markings on the protective paper of the film. according to common practice.

The preferred form ot the container 30 is shown in Figs. 13 to 19 inclusive. On the inner face ot the cover l omit the velvet lining 47 shown in Fig. 6, and in lieu thereof, I substitute the compensating guide and compression member comprising the guide plate 56 ha ing the rear-wart" I, extending, oppositely disposed spring test 57, respectively provided with the elongated slots 58 through which extends the headed studs 59, the rearward ends (it), (50 oi which are riveted to the rear cover 32, by riveting the ends (50, (50 to the ring 61 ot' the peep hole 53. The spring feet- 57 may be termed ot' metal stampings and secured by rivets (ii to the guide plate 5G. The guide plate it) is cut away at its four corners and enlarged guide lugs provided for attaining guidance of the opposite edges of the film. Th pla e 56 is provided with the central opening 56 permitting observation of the film markings through the peep hole 53 and also for maintaining the portion of the film under exposure, in a plane at right angles to the optical axis of the microscope and associated photomicrographic attachment.

As will be noted in Figs. 19 and ll, such guide lugs (32 extend beyond the plane of the guide plate to be effective in receiving and guiding the edges of the exposed and unexposed portions of the film. respectively anterior of and posterior ot the exposure opening l2. The clip ($3 for holding the spool ot' the sensitized film roll may be oil? the construction 63 shown in Fig. 1 but is preferably of the construction shown in Fig. 17. In Fig. 11 the clip 63 comprises the vertically extending portion tS-l having the oppositely disposed spring, ends 65, 66 bent angularly inwardly at 67, 68 and provided with the openings 69, 70 for receiving the ends of the shaft of the film spool. The inwardly bent portions 67, 68 trictionally engage the opposite end disks of the film spool to lrake the spool when the film is being drawn forward to the winding-up spool and to hold taut in horizontal plane the portion of the film between the spools.

in the preferred form as shown in Fig. 1'7, the clip 63 comprises the vertically extending plate 71 which is slitted at. 72, 7 3 to provide the curved tongue 74, to facilitate removal of the clip (53 from the container 30. The ends 75. 76, ot the clip 63 are cut. out respectively at 7'7, 78 to provide the tongues 79, 80 respectively bent inwardly, and preferably curvedly, which tongues T9. 80 make frictional engagement with the disks oi? the film spool, to brake the same, similarly as above. The perforation 69, 70 receive the end studs ot' the film spool. Such clips 63. G3 are preferably formed of spring metal and stamped ot the form and arrangement shown in Figs. 11 and 17, thereby providing for reversable use of the clips either for the winding-0n spool or the reeling-oft spool.

llhen it is desired to subject a sensitized late to exposure in lieu of a sensitized film, the holding plate ll, as indicated in Fig. 18 is employed. and positioned in advance of the compensating guide and compression member 55, as is indicated in Fig. 15. The sensitized plate is indicated in Fig. 15 at It will be noted that the container 3 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 14, 15 and 16 is of increased height as compared with the form shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 8, to provide for the additional space occupied by the compensating guide and compression member 56 and its spring feet 5'7, and to maintain the position of the portion of the him or of the plate to be exposed.

ii hen it is desired to use a sensitized plate in lieu of a sensitized film I provide a holding plate d7 of metal or other suitable material, and provided on the downward taco with the oppositely positioned and guide clips 48, 4:9. Such clips 48, 49 are neiterably slitt d at 50 and bent toward the holding plate to frictionally engage the sensitized plate when inserted within the guide clips l8, l9. The uides 48, 49 are also provided with the projections 51 (one only shown in Fig. 18) for limiting the extent of insertion of the sensitized plate within the clips l-S. l9.

The plate at? when placed in the container 30, is held in proper position by the spring lugs as is indicated in Fig. 15, and when thus positioned the peep hole 53 and the opening in the plate 56 is closed, to protect the sensitized plate.

It will be noted that the slide 39 functions in contact with the packing 39 of velvet or the like to provide for a lighttight seal and facilitates the movement of the slide 39 to its closed and open, positions, so that the optical adjustment of the parts is not disturbed.

The travel and position of the slide 39 is regulated by the pin 39, as is indicated in Figs. 5. 14:, 153 and 16.

From the detail description set forth hereinabove, the construction and operation or my invention will be largely understood, and a general summary of the manner of using the same is deemed to be suificient.

Upon proper adjustments of the parts of the microscope in the usual manner to obtain the magnified image of the desired portion of the specimen by observation through my ground unit assembled on the inieroscope as shown in Fig. 7, the ground glass unit is then taken oil and the container substituted in the place of the ground :3 unit as shown in Fig. 8, and the exposure is made either for a film or a plate as desired. It will be noted that Figs. 7 ant. 8 are arranged for direct comparison with one another, the upper edge of the tube length 21 of the shutter being in the same plane in both Figs. 7 and 8 and the ground disl: 25 being in the same effective plane as the portion 83 of the film under exposure.

Upon desiring a further exposure of a ditterent portion of the same specimen or of a different specimen. and for either the same or different magnification, the container is removed from the shutter unit and the ground glass unit replaced on the shutter unit for observing and focusing the image, whereupon the container is again resubstituted for the ground glass unit and exposure made. In the event that difi erent magnification is desired, it is of course understood that the optical constants of the system must be changed either by substituting the desired lens or by changing the shutter tubes 21 and 22.

It will be noted that such successive or; posures are obtained under conditions of reproduction of the same or directly coinputable proportions thereby affording mathematically exact comparison between the dimensions of the derived photographic reproductions.

It will be further noted that with the use of my invention. the respective parts are assembled with exactitude and certainty and without relying upon the judgment of the operator.

My invention, as has been noted above, is adapted for all approved types of microscopes, including the use of compensating and special eye-pieces as well as simple or the usual. forms of eye-pieces, and for the use of films and plates as the sensitized media. It will be mnilerslood that my in'iproved apparatus and ii'nprovtuil .method (it focusing and taking exposures is applicable for use with telescopes and other types and forms oi .l devices "for photographic reproduc- This application is a division of my orig inal apj. :ation Seria Yo. 517,017, filed by me on November 22nd, 1921, now matured as U. iii. Patent No. 1,537,539, dated May 152th, 1925, wherein is described and claimed the holder for the sensitized film or plate and the associated parts to provide for the 30 s t aositiomng or the sensitized medium nd means for holding the portion of the taut and the associated parts. My coapplication Serial No. 683,289, also ision of my aforesaid original applica- 5 tion Serial lo. 517.017. is directed to the arrangememx or the carrier for the ground and the associated parts for attaining a light-tight connection with a suitable optical imagc-torming device and for exeluding l' foreign to the rays forming the in'iage, to thereby permit the image to be seen through the carrier by a number of persons at the same time and without the use of any focusing cloth or equivalent.

Whereas I have described my invention by reference to specific forms thereof it will be understood that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit '5 the invention.

'1 claim.

1. The combination with an image-form ing device having an adjustable tube, of means for deriving the image formed in said image-forming device, and means for clamping said image deriving means to the adjustable tube of said image-forn'iing device, said clampingmeans providing for a clearance for different sizes of visual lenses and a set screw flOl securing said clamping means to said adjustable tube.

2. The combination with a microscope. of means for deriving the image fOl'll'lGCl bythe eyepiece and the objective ot said microscope and means for clamping said image de-' riving means to the draw tube of said microscope, said clamping means comprising a sleeve providing for eye-picces ot different extents of projections externally ofthe end of said draw tube and means for clamping said sleeve to said draw tube. I 1

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification this 18th day of December,

- FRANCIS F. LUCAS. 

